Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed optimism that the Harambee Stars will qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). His hopeful outlook comes despite the national team suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat against Cameroon during their third matchday in Group J, which took place on Friday, October 11, 2024.
Following the loss, Murkomen communicated with the team, encouraging them to focus on future matches rather than dwelling on the setback in Yaoundé. “Sisi tuko na imani na Harambee Stars yetu kwa sababu tunaamini wako na uwezo ya kupambana hadi wa qualify for Morocco. Sasa nimewaambia mchezo wa jana umepita, wajitayarishe kwa mchezo ujao,” Murkomen told the press.
Firat Under Criticism
The defeat marked Kenya’s first in the 2025 qualifiers, and head coach Engin Firat has faced significant criticism, particularly for tactical mistakes. Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has also been under scrutiny for two blunders that allowed Cameroon to score seemingly easy goals.
Former Thika United head coach James Nandwa has urged Firat to implement corrective measures to address the issues observed during the match. “In the goalkeeping area, he [Firat] has to correct it; we are complaining all the time, saying the goalkeeper is not good enough. Why doesn’t he take the best goalkeeper? We have so many goalkeepers; do not complain and still field the same guy,” Nandwa stated.
He added, “Changing goalkeepers has an effect on the team, and it also depends on how you have trained them. Matasi could be good at stopping but maybe poor in his decision-making or playing out from the back.”
Kenya is set to host the Indomitable Lions on Monday, October 14, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda for the second leg of their qualifiers.
